OXTEXT is a programme of research that looks at how self monitoring may be able to benefit people with bipolar disorder. It is organised around a simple to use web-based self monitoring system known as True Colours.  The idea is that True Colours helps a person with bipolar disorder to live their life by helping them monitor their mood. Someone using True Colours will regularly record their mood states. Any major events or features of lifestyle are logged as well. By carefully tracking changes of mood, patterns begin to emerge. Relating even quite subtle shifts to external factors enables people to learn more about their condition. In this way, self monitoring gives people more control over their lives. It is a way of turning better self knowledge into better self management.

If you have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder we would like to hear from you. Self monitoring using True Colours is still at an early stage. We need to know more about what effects it has. We don’t know yet whether it has significant benefits. If you would like to use the system and help us evaluate it and contribute to further developments, please get in touch with the OXTEXT Team:

E-Mail: oxtext@psych.ox.ac.uk

Phone: 01865 613131